Just like Wile E. Coyote, who was a menace for the Road Runner in the good old looney tunes cartoons, real-life coyotes are also a nuisance. This is especially true when you find coyote poop in your yard.
But why would a coyote poop in your yard, of all places?
Finding droppings in your yard may seem normal if you live in an area frequented by wild animals. However, if you spot feces that seem off and look different than regular soft animal poop, it might be a coyote that has taken a liking to your property.
The two main reasons why a coyote would poop in your yard are:
- It found food and is leaving a scent trail for its coyote-family members.
- The coyote is marking the territory for its pack to warn other animals.
Coyotes are known to take a dump whenever and wherever they feel like it. But, if you see the same pattern in your yard, you must be careful, as coyotes can also destroy gardens and attack small animals.
Let’s get into the details of how you can identify coyote poop and why these problematic animals chose your yard as their dumping ground.
How To Differentiate Coyote Droppings?
All poop looks the same, right? Well, yes and no!
When it comes to the coyote, their droppings are quite different from their canine cousins, like wolves and dogs.
The main characteristics of a coyote’s poop are:
- The poo is a twisted rope-like shape with various segments.
- Depending on their diet, the tubular excrement may have a hairy or rough texture filled with tiny animal bones, hair, and even fruit seeds.
- Adult males’ poo is more significant than that of females.
- If a female poo segment is 4 to 5 inches long, the male coyote poo segment will be around 6 to 12 inches long.
Did you know that coyotes are omnivores? They can eat various food such as ripe fruits and vegetables, berries, nuts, meat, bones, and pet animal food.
Why Coyotes Poop in Your Yard?
Coyotes are classified as pests due to their troublemaking nature. As such, they scavenge and hunt for food, not shying away from invading yards after dark.
Even though they poop indiscriminately, there are a couple of reasons why coyotes would take a dump in your yard:
1. The Coyote Found Food & Is Leaving a Scent
So, a coyote came searching for food in your yard, finding some in the form of leftover pet food or trash. The coyote was so happy it left you a little unpleasant present as a gift!
Well, it’s more of a way for them to mark the area, communicating with other family members that this place has food.
This means they’re inviting their family over for an after-dark dinner party, which does not bode well for you and your yard!
What To Do Now?
It’s quite simple, really:
- Keep your yard clean and your trash bags/cans tightly sealed.
- Don’t leave anything that may be considered food for the scavenging animal.
- Take your pets inside after dark.
- If you have a chicken coop, ensure it’s sturdy and sealed shut.
- Ensure you have a strong and tall fence constructed around your garden.
Did you know that poop is also sometimes called ‘scat’? This word is used explicitly for wild animal droppings from carnivorous creatures like coyotes, cats, dogs, wolves, snakes, and lizards.
2. The Coyote Is Marking Its Territory
While most animals mark territory by urinating, roaring, or secreting from their glands, coyotes leave their poop to let other creatures know it’s their territory.
Even though they’re scavengers and pests, coyotes are territorial. They defend their area against other scavengers aggressively.
So what do they do to let everyone know it’s their territory? They poop!
This is also a way for them to send a message to other coyotes who are not a part of their family/pack to stay away.
Is Coyote Poop Dangerous?
The coyote’s scat is a sure sign that the sneaky creature will be making rounds. The poop in itself is harmful and poses health risks.
Coyote droppings are a haven to various parasites and viruses such as:
- Tapeworm
- Parvovirus
- Heartworm
- Distemper
These are highly infectious and deadly, not just for pet animals but also for humans.
This is why it’s essential to make your yard as unappealing to coyotes as possible while taking necessary measures to deter these wild mutts.
Conclusion
If you see coyote poop lying around your yard, chances are it’s there for the sake of sending a message to other coyotes and animals because:
- It found food and is leaving a scent trail for other coyotes.
- The coyote is marking the territory for its pack to warn other animals.
Because coyotes are troublesome large-sized pests, taking necessary measures to prevent their regular pooping in your yard is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Coyotes Poop in the Same Area?
If they found food and nourishment, then yes! Coyotes will visit the same area regularly and poop to mark it as their territory and attract other pack members to the food.
Do Coyotes Attack Humans?
It is extremely rare for coyotes to attack humans, and even if they do so, it’s mostly because they’re either feeling threatened or are protecting their pups.
Is Coyote Poop Dangerous?
Yes! Coyote poop is full of dangerous viruses and parasites that are deadly to humans and animals. If your pet likes to sniff around or if your kids like playing in your yard, make sure that you clean the droppings first thing in the morning.
